How to Install Decorative Garden Edging

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How to Install Decorative Garden Edging

Overview

Garden edging is installed to create a barrier between the garden and the lawn. The barrier prevents weeds or grass from the lawn from crossing into the garden, as well as preventing erosion of garden soil and mulch and providing a visually interesting landscape element. Decorative garden edging may be prefabricated plastic, metal brick.

Prefabricated Edging

Step 1

Use string and stakes to indicate the location of the garden edging. Follow the line of the garden edge, allowing a 2-inch gap between the string line and the actual garden edge. Plant the stakes and tie off the string, keeping it taut and several inches above the ground.

Step 2

Apply a line of landscape spray paint along the ground, following the string line. Remove the string and stakes.

Step 3

Dig a trench 2 inches wide and 4 inches deep between the line of spray paint and the garden edge. Fill the trench 2/3 full with a mix of crushed rock and sand. This provides an anchor for the edging and allows for drainage.

Step 4

Insert each section of the decorative garden edging, flat edge down, into the crushed rock and sand mix. Position the edging so the inside of it sits flush with the garden edge. Tap the edging into place with a small rubber mallet. Check that all sections are of even height.

Step 5

Fill in the remaining space in the trench with soil and allow grass to fill in the space.

Brick

Step 1

Lay out the line, using stakes and string, for the location of the garden edge. Make the gap between the garden edge and the string line the same width as the brick, plus 1 inch.

Step 2

Apply a line of landscape spray paint, using the string line as a guide. Remove the stakes and string.

Step 3

Dig a trench the width of the gap and 6 inches deep. Fill the gap with a mix of sand and crushed rock, leaving a gap at the top equaling 1/2 the height of the brick.

Step 4

Lay the bricks in the trench, placing them end to end, leaving no more than a 1/4-inch gap between bricks. Use a small rubber mallet to tap them into place so the tops line up. Allow 1/2 inch to either side of the bricks. This creates a gap between the garden edge and the brick, as well as a gap between the brick edging and the lawn.

Step 5

Use landscape stone to fill in the top of the trench, the gaps between bricks and the gaps to either side of the brick edging. Smooth the landscape stone so it lies evenly around the decorative brick edging.

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About this Author

Shelly McRae resides in Phoenix, Ariz. Having earned her associate's degree from Glendale Community College with a major in graphic design and technical writing, she turned to online writing. Her credits include articles for 123Life.com, eHow.com and several non-commercial sites. Her work background also includes experience in the home improvement industry and hydroponic gardening.